Matthew 21:46

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

Complete Jewish Bible:

But when they set about to arrest him, they were afraid of the crowds; because the crowds considered him a prophet.

Berean Standard Bible:

Although they wanted to arrest Him, they were afraid of the crowds, because the people regarded Him as a prophet.

American Standard Version:

And when they sought to lay hold on him, they feared the multitudes, because they took him for a prophet.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But^{G2532} when they sought^{G2212} to lay hands^{G2902} on him^{G846}, they feared^{G5399} the multitude^{G3793}, because^{G1894} they took^{G2192} him^{G846} for^{G5613} a prophet^{G4396}.

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Commentary for Matthew 21:46

Matthew 21:46 is a verse that captures a moment of tension and political intrigue in the Gospel of Matthew. Set during the last week of Jesus' life, this verse follows the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, in which Jesus tells a story that the chief priests and Pharisees understand is a veiled critique of their leadership and an assertion of Jesus' own authority. The historical context is crucial: Jerusalem is teeming with pilgrims for the Passover festival, and the city is under Roman occupation, with the Jewish leaders walking a tightrope between maintaining order and appeasing the populace.

In this verse, the religious authorities, namely the chief priests and the Pharisees, are depicted trying to arrest Jesus. However, they are deterred by their fear of the crowd, who regard Jesus as a prophet. This reflects the delicate balance of power in first-century Judea. The Jewish leaders are reluctant to act against Jesus publicly because they are wary of the potential backlash from the people, who might see such an action as an affront to a holy man. The theme of fear and the influence of public opinion on the actions of religious and political leaders is evident here.

The verse underscores the recognition of Jesus' prophetic status among the common people, which grants Him a measure of protection. It also foreshadows the ultimate clash between Jesus and the Jewish authorities, which will lead to His crucifixion. The tension between popular support for Jesus and the authorities' opposition to Him is a central theme in the passion narrative, and Matthew 21:46 encapsulates this dynamic succinctly. The verse highlights the complex interplay of power, fear, and faith in the events leading up to Jesus' death and resurrection.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G2212
   There are 116 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ζητέω
   Transliteration: zētéō
   Pronunciation: dzay-teh'-o
   Description: of uncertain affinity; to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life):--be (go) about, desire, endeavour, enquire (for), require, (X will) seek (after, for, means). Compare πυνθάνομαι.
   
3. Strong's Number: G2902
   There are 46 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: κρατέω
   Transliteration: kratéō
   Pronunciation: krat-eh'-o
   Description: from κράτος; to use strength, i.e. seize or retain (literally or figuratively):--hold (by, fast), keep, lay hand (hold) on, obtain, retain, take (by).
   
4. Strong's Number: G846
   There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐτός
   Transliteration: autós
   Pronunciation: ow-tos'
   Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
   
5. Strong's Number: G5399
   There are 90 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: φοβέω
   Transliteration: phobéō
   Pronunciation: fob-eh'-o
   Description: from φόβος; to frighten, i.e. (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. revere:--be (+ sore) afraid, fear (exceedingly), reverence.
   
6. Strong's Number: G3793
   There are 170 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὄχλος
   Transliteration: óchlos
   Pronunciation: okh'los
   Description: from a derivative of ἔχω (meaning a vehicle); a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot:--company, multitude, number (of people), people, press.
   
7. Strong's Number: G1894
   There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐπειδή
   Transliteration: epeidḗ
   Pronunciation: ep-i-day'
   Description: from ἐπεί and δή; since now, i.e. (of time) when, or (of cause) whereas:--after that, because, for (that, -asmuch as), seeing, since.
   
8. Strong's Number: G2192
   There are 628 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἔχω
   Transliteration: échō
   Pronunciation: skheh'-o
   Description: a primary verb; to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition):--be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use.
   
9. Strong's Number: G5613
   There are 433 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὡς
   Transliteration: hōs
   Pronunciation: hoce
   Description: probably adverb of comparative from ὅς; which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows):--about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed.
   
10. Strong's Number: G4396
    There are 143 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: προφήτης
    Transliteration: prophḗtēs
    Pronunciation: prof-ay'-tace
    Description: from a compound of πρό and φημί; a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet:--prophet.